Cash or card?
| Card | Cash | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Hotels, restaurants, big shops, bookings | Markets, street vendors, taxis, tips, small towns |
| Safety | Can be frozen instantly if lost | Gone if lost |
| Cost | Foreign transaction fees on some cards | Withdrawal fees or exchange-rate margins |
In big cities in most countries, cards and phone payments are accepted almost everywhere. But local markets, small restaurants and some taxis only take cash. So always carry both.
The fees no one tells you about
- Foreign transaction fees: many cards add a percentage to every purchase in another currency, often 2 to 3%. Ask your bank, and look for a card without this fee.
- ATM fees: your bank may charge one, and the local ATM owner another. Withdraw larger amounts less often rather than small amounts every day.
- Exchange rates: exchange counters at airports and hotels usually give the worst rates.
The 'pay in your own currency?' trap
When you pay or withdraw, the machine or cashier may offer to charge you in your home currency instead of the local one. It looks convenient because you see the amount in your currency, but it's called dynamic currency conversion, and the rate is usually noticeably worse. Always choose the local currency and let your bank do the conversion.
Where to exchange money
- Change a small amount before you go or at the airport, just enough for transport and the first day.
- Change the rest at well-known exchange offices in town, after comparing two or three.
- Look at the amount you'll actually receive, not the 'no commission' sign.
- Count the money in front of the cashier before you leave the counter.
Safety tips
- At least two cards: kept in different places.
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres: safer than street machines.
- Cover your PIN with your hand: always.
- Turn on transaction alerts: so you see anything suspicious straight away and can freeze the card in the app.
- Hotel deposits: some hotels hold an amount on your card at check-in. A credit card is better for this than a debit card, because the held amount doesn't leave your account.
Our advice: enable your card for use abroad before you go, and ask your bank about fees. If you're travelling with us, most of the big costs (flights, hotels, transfers) are paid in advance, so you only need daily spending money.